A RECORD-SETTING RADIOTHON:
CHARLESTON MEDIA SOLUTIONS RADIO STATIONS RAISE $355,559 for MUSC SHAWN JENKINS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Charleston, SC (March 23, 2025) – Over Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21, hundreds of calls, texts and clicks added up to a record amount of donations, helping children and families from all over the Lowcountry.
Each year, three Charleston Media Solutions radio stations, 92.5 Kickin’ Country, Mix 95.9 and Star 99.7, broadcast live from the lobby of the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, raising money for South Carolina’s top-ranked hospital. This year’s two-day, 26-hour “Cares for Kids” Radiothon raised a record $355,559 – a $120,000 increase in donations over the previous year. The amount raises the five-year “Cares for Kids” Radiothon total to just over $1 million dollars.
Charleston Media Solutions President Paul O’Malley said, “We are humbled by the inspiring stories of the families and children at MUSC, and it is amazing to see how big a heart the Charleston community has in personally giving to these kids.”
The MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital treats more than 200,000 children each year. No child is ever turned away because of their family’s inability to pay. In addition to earning a number of other nationwide rankings, the hospital’s Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery program was recently named No. 2 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Charleston Media Solutions is a proud supporter of the Children’s Hospital and will return to downtown Charleston for a sixth “Cares for Kids” Radiothon in March of 2026.
# # #
Charleston Media Solutions, owned by Saga Communications, operates six of the top radio stations in the Charleston, SC area; R&B WXST-FM, Star 99.7; Hot AC WMXZ-FM, Mix 95.9, Country 92.5 Kickin’ Country, Adult Hits 101.7 Chuck-FM, Gospel/Christian Heaven 100.1FM and Today’s Hits and Hip Hop WMXZ-HD2 99.3 The Box. CMS provides customized marketing solutions that drive consumers to Click Visit Call and Search local businesses.
PHOTO CREDIT: Kerry Brown
PHOTO: Charleston Media Solutions “Cares for Kids” Radiothon Check Presentation
From left to right:
Mimi Dorman, MUSC Children’s Hospital Fund, Gary Goldman, traffic, Hunter Meyer, PD of 92.5 Kickin’ Country, Tate Blanton, MUSC Children’s Hospital Fund, Harper Brown, MUSC Children’s Hospital patient, Jessica Chandler, mornings, 92.5 Kickin’ Country, nights, Tug Cowart, 92.5 Kickin’ Country, Paul O’Malley, Charleston Media Solutions Market President, Nikki Taylor, mom of former patient Hunter Taylor, Belinda Parker, nights, Star 99.7, Cush, afternoons, 92.5 Kickin’ Country, Tanya Brown, mornings, Mix 95.9, Emma Taylor, Hunter’s sister, Stephen Crumbley, Operations Manager, Charleston Media Solutions, Rick Quagliaroli, owner of Swamp Fox Insurance Agency, Geno Jones, middays, Star 99.7, Erik Taylor, Hunter’s father, Jay Shadix, mornings, Mix 95.9, TJ Phillps, mornings, 92.5 Kickin’ Country, Brooke Ryan, mornings, Mix 95.9, Ellison, middays, Mix 95.9, Brian Cleary, Charleston Media Solutions Promotions Director, Alex Jenkins, MUSC Advisory Board member, Matthew Chase, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital heart transplant recipient.
SEGMENT #1: MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital
GUEST: Dr. Mark Scherer, Chief of the Children’s & Women’s Integrated Center of Clinical Excellence
ISSUE: Children and Youth Services/Medical
This December, the 23rd Annual Reindeer Run, presented by Half Moon Outfitters, takes place in downtown Charleston. The run is a benefit event for the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, the number one ranked Children’s Hospital in South Carolina. Dr. Mark Scherer is the Chief of the Children’s & Women’s Integrated Center of Clinical Excellence at the Hospital. Scherer participates in the run and shared his experiences in previous Reindeer Runs. Additionally, Scherer discussed when the money raised from the event goes, and some of the specific ways that it assists the Children’s Hospital.
________________________________________________
SEGMENT #2: Pattison’s Academy
GUEST: Dr. Laura M. Ganci, CEO
ISSUE: Children/Youth Disabilities
Pattison’s Academy is a Lowcountry nonprofit focused on providing comprehensive, year-round programs to support children with disabilities and their families. Dr. Laura M. Ganci, the CEO of Pattison’s Academy told the story of how the Academy was founded, and the four programs the Academy provides to the community. The Academy itself is only open to Charleston County residents, but the other programs, including the very popular summer camp, is open to anyone in the tri-county. Dr. Ganci shared information on all of the programs, as well as discussing how the Academy is funded, and how individuals can help, not just by monetary donations, but by volunteering to help.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-musc-childrens-hospital-pattisons-academy-dec-8-2024
SEGMENT #1: Folds of Honor
GUEST: Eric Timko, Vice President, Board of Directors
ISSUE: Veterans Affairs
Folds of Honor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Sunday, Nov. 10, the 3rd annual Palmetto Freedom Fest will take place, put on by the Palmetto State Folds of Honor. Board Vice President Eric Timko explained the history of this event, the concert this year and how people could get tickets. Timko spoke of the partnership that Folds or Honor has created with the community and how the money raised from this concert impact families, and how those funds would stay in South Carolina. Along with military members, Folds of Honor has expanded to assist First Responder families, which Timko discussed.
________________________________________________
SEGMENT #2: BarBrewGrass
GUEST: Suzanne Auld, Founder and Director
ISSUE: Children’s Health
After her child was diagnosed with leukemia, Suzanna Auld discovered the challenges, beyond medical issues, that families experience when a son or daughter is hospitalized. BarBrewGrass is a nonprofit she formed to help families with a child being treated at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. BarBrewGrass is an annual event, this year taking place at Firefly Distillery in North Charleston. Along with sharing her experience with the hospital, Auld provided the details on this year’s BarBrewGrass event and laid out how the money raised would be used to impact families in need at the Children’s Hospital.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-folds-of-honor-barbrewgrass-nov-3-2024?si=452e006ecd0e4a859b207ed5ba1a3c9c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: Treats For Our Troops
GUEST: Suzi Kopp, Coordinator
ISSUE: Community Service
After October 3, candy piles up in many Lowcountry households. Eight years ago, Suzy Kopp teamed up with Guardian Angels to collect that candy for a good cause. Today, that continues through “Treats For Our Troops.” Originally the program collected leftover Halloween candy which was then delivered to our troops overseas. Now, the program has changed to a local focus, delivering to area military members and first responders. Kopp explained why the adjustment was made and how donations will be accepted for this year’s campaign. She also shared the involvement of Sullivan’s Island Elementary and groups receiving the candy.
________________________________________________
SEGMENT #2: Lowvelo
GUEST: Chris Winn, Event Manager
ISSUE: Health & Human Services
Lowvelo is the annual bike ride that takes place in the Lowcountry on the first Saturday of November, to benefit the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Chris Winn, the Lowvelo event manager, provided the details on this year’s Nov. 2 ride, which includes 5 different length rides. He explained how people can enter to participate in the rides or take part on a stationary bike at the ride’s finish, or even virtually. Winn discussed the community partnerships the ride has developed, and the additional ways the event impacts the community. Plus, he shared how 100% of money raised by participants goes directly to funding cancer research and where those proceeds have made a positive impact.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-10-27-2024-treat-for-our-troops-lowvelo?si=883d6f77edd9483c9d896073976d1676&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: South Carolina State Election Commission
GUEST: Syndi Bain, Voter Education Outreach Coordinator
ISSUE: Voting
Tuesday, Nov. 5 is Election Day in South Carolina and across our nation. Syndi Bain, Voter Education Outreach Coordinator with the South Carolina State Election Commission discussed voting in this year’s election. Bain explained how to check that your registration is current, where to go to location your polling place, and what specific elements you need to bring with you to vote. She also provided information on absentee voting and how early voting will work in the Palmetto State for this election. Additionally, Bain share details on how to help at the polls and the need for poll workers.
________________________________________________
SEGMENT #2: Lowvelo
GUEST: Chris Winn, Event Manager
ISSUE: Health & Human Services
Lowvelo is the annual bike ride that takes place in the Lowcountry on the first Saturday of November, to benefit the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Chris Winn, the Lowvelo event manager, provided the details on this year’s Nov. 2 ride, which includes 5 different length rides. He explained how people can enter to participate in the rides, or take part on a stationary bike at the ride’s finish, or even virtually. Winn discussed the community partnerships the ride has developed, and the additional ways the event impacts the community. Plus, he shared how 100% of money raised by participants goes directly to funding cancer research and where those proceeds have made a positive impact.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-sc-state-election-commission-lowvelo-oct-6-2024?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=9e220f0933044d75a7fb4b080e8fee3b
SEGMENT #1: The McConnell Foundation
GUEST: Josh and Jen McConnell, Founders/Directors
ISSUE: Children’s Health Services
When their son was less than 2 years old, Jen and Josh McConnell were told he has cancer. Treated at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Bohdi was treated and cured. It motivated the couple to create the McConnell Foundation as a way of giving back, raising money for Pediatric Cancer Research done at the Children’s Hospital. Jen and Josh shared their story and discussed “Shining Stars: A Hollywood Gala.” The Sept. 14 event is being held to raise money to continue the cancer research. The McConnell’s shared details on the Gala and spoke of the importance they feel in giving back to the hospital that saved their son’s life.
________________________________________________
SEGMENT #2: Carolina Children’s Charity
GUEST: Sonya Beale, Executive Director
ISSUE: Children’s Health & Human Services
Established in 1987, the Carolina Children’s Charity serves Children under 18 in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties. Executive Director Sonya Beale explained how the Charity began and the services they provide to Lowcountry families. The Charity has provided $4.7 million dollars in services yet receives no government funding. The Charity hosts 4 major fundraising events, including Care, Give, Run their annual 5K on Sept. 21. Beale provided information on the event, including the activities that day, how people can register and provided examples of how of the funds raised that day would be used.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-mcconnell-foundation-carolina-childrens-charity-aug-25-2024?si=2bf5b211f3f7422695029176810882c2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
CRG Radio Stations Partner with MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital
to Raise Record-Breaking $230,000+ in Most Successful Cares for Kids Radiothon to Date
The 2024 Cares for Kids Radiothon, the annual drive to raise funds for South Carolina’s #1 hospital – the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, raised more than $30,000 more than the previous year, which also broke the previous year’s record.
Charleston Radio Group’s 92.5 Kickin’ Country, Star 99.7 and Mix 95.9 were honored to be a part of the hospital’s most successful Radiothon to date. On-air personalities from each station from the morning drive to the afternoon drive were on-site for both days, broadcasting live to call for donations and capture the excitement of donations coming in via the phone bank, text line and online donation portal.
Below is the announcement of the final check total in a post from the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital Instagram account, shortly after the check was presented on the final night of the Radiothon:
And that’s a wrap on the 2024 Cares for Kids Radiothon! The force was strong with this one!
We are thrilled to share that, thanks to YOU, we raised a record-breaking $230,458! 🎉 Every dollar stays local, benefitting MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital!
We couldn’t do this without the support of @charlestonradiogroup, @925kickincountry, @mix959live & @star997fm. Beyond two full days of radio, comes many hours and massive effort to prepare. Their energy, passion and heart brings this event all together and we are grateful for their continued partnership.
Additional thanks to our event sponsors, volunteers for their time answering phones and all our patient families for sharing their personal stories.
And, of course, to our community for tuning in, donating and spreading the word. Our hearts are so FULL, Lowcountry. Thank you!
